In the Season 3 finale of the Ask a NICU Mama podcast, host Ashley O’Neil offers a heartfelt reflection on the grief, growth,and transformation that shape the lives of NICU families. She speaks candidly about the lasting impact of loss, the complexities of life after the NICU, and the often unseen support parents need long after discharge.

Ashley shares how family and friends can best support thosenavigating grief, whether from child loss or the trauma of a NICU stay, emphasizing the importance of understanding, compassion, and grace. She encourages loved ones to recognize that NICU parents are forever changed by their experiences, and that their healing deserves patience and tenderness.

This episode gently explores what it means to honor ourbabies’ memories, care for our own hearts, and seek peace during seasons that can feel especially heavy—especially the holidays.

Ashley also expresses deep gratitude for the incrediblecommunity that has grown around this podcast and looks forward with hope to the meaningful conversations still to come.

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s aNICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated tosupporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.nicuworld.com⁠📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠

Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
• Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠
• Leave a review

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Mahaley Patel, who shares her journey through pregnancy, the traumatic birth of her daughter Saachi, and the challenges faced during their NICU stay. She discusses the emotional complexities of child loss, the importance of processing trauma, and how she found purpose in her grief. Mahaley also highlights the significance of support systems for NICU families and the unique perspectives of partners during such experiences. This conversation culminates in a discussion about her book, 'Your NICU Story', aimed at helping families navigate their NICU journeys. You do not want to miss this episode! The season three finale airs next week!

Interested in connecting with Mahaley?

Instagram: mahaleyhpatel

Website: Mahaley Patel Therapy

Email: yournicustorybook@gmail.com

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.nicuworld.com⁠

📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠

Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
• Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠
• Leave a review

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast,host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Michelle Ross who opens up about her powerful journey through pregnancy complications, the heartbreak of losing a child, and the complexities of navigating the NICU with her daughter, Brielle. She reflectson the vital role of support systems, the weight of mental health during such vulnerable seasons, and the ways she’s learned to embrace self-care and healing. Michelle also introduces Elevated Hope Coaching, her company that is dedicated to walking alongside NICU parents. This conversation highlights resilience, the strength found in community, and the importance of prioritizing one's own well-being while navigating the challenges of motherhood. You do not want to miss this episode.

Interested in connecting with Michelle?

Instagram: ⁠myelevatedhope⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Michelle Ross LinkedIn⁠

Email: ⁠info@myelevatedhope.com⁠

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’sa NICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠⁠www.nicuworld.com⁠⁠

📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠@itsanicuworld⁠⁠

Check out our books: ⁠It’sa NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay⁠

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with anotherNICU parent or healthcare provider

• Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠⁠

• Leave a review

• Interested in sponsoring anepisode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Jess Smith, who bravely shares her journey through a high-risk pregnancy, the challenges of having a baby in the NICU, and the profound heartbreak of losing her daughter, Juliet.

Jess opens up about what it was like to have herdaughter cared for in the very same NICU where she worked as a physical therapist - an experience filled with complex emotions, medical uncertainty, and moments of both hope and grief. She reflects on the emotional rollercoasterof Juliet’s complications, the essential role of strong support systems, and the deeply personal nature of navigating loss.

She also shares the story behind the Juliet Grace Smith Foundation, created to uplift and support NICU families walking a similar path. Jess offers heartfeltinsight and thoughtful advice for new parents facing the overwhelming realities of the NICU, reminding them that they are not alone.

This episode is especially close to my heart, as Jess and her family - through their foundation - cared for me and my family throughout my son’s six-month NICU stay. You do not want to miss this episode.

Interested in connecting with Jess?

Instagram: @julietgracefoundation

Facebook: Juliet Grace Smith Foundation

Email: jess@julietgrace.org

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s aNICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated tosupporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU andmedical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.nicuworld.com⁠

📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠

Check out our books: It’s a NICU World& It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
• Follow the show on Instagram: ⁠@askanicumamapodcast2024⁠
• Leave a review
• 
  

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil sits down with Hannah Baldwin, who shares her powerful journey through a high-risk twin pregnancyand the premature birth of her girls at just 23 weeks.

Hannah opens up about navigating the uncertainty, grief,and growth that came with her NICU experience—the emotional toll, the role of faith in her healing, and the importance of leaning on family and online communities for support.

Her experience ultimately inspired her to found TheSupport Nest, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education, connection, and resources for NICU families.

This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that it’s okayto grieve the story, you imagined while embracing the strength, faith, and resilience that come from the one you’re living. 💜

Interested in connecting with Hannah?

Instagram: @ thesupportnest

Facebook: The Support Nest

Email: info@thesupportnest.org

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated to supporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.nicuworld.com⁠

📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠

Check out our books: It’s a NICU World & It’s a NICU World: Your Guide During your Babies NICU Stay

🎙️Listen to more episodes: On your favorite podcast platform

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider
• Follow the show on Instagram: @askanicumamapodcast2024⁠
• Leave a review

Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O’Neil is joined by Shawna Keyes, a fellow NICU mama, who opens up about her powerful journey from pregnancy complications to the emotional challenges ofwelcoming a premature baby. She shares the grief that comes with unmet expectations, the delicate process of bonding in the NICU, and the vital role of medical staff and community support along the way. Shawna also reflects on herson’s incredible growth, what inspired her to write a children’s book, and how she’s now giving back to other NICU families walking a similar path. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder of the importance of self-care, community, and finding joy even in the hardest moments. You don’t want to miss this episode!
Interested in connecting with Shawna?

Instagram: @keyestosonshine

Website: HOME - Keyes To Sonshine

Book: The Adventure of Asher and Rocket

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s aNICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated tosupporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: ⁠www.nicuworld.com⁠📸Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@itsanicuworld⁠

🎙️Listen to more episodes: Ask a NICU Mama Podcast on Spotify

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider

• Follow the show on Instagram @askanicumamapodcast2024⁠

• Leave a review

• Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

On this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host AshleyO’Neil is joined by Wakeya Belt, who shares her journey through the NICU with her son Kelvin, who faced significant medical challenges during his 10-month stay. She discusses the emotional turmoil of being a NICU parent, the lack ofsupport, and the impact of grief on her family. Wakaya also highlights the importance of writing as a form of healing and how she honors her son's memory through celebrations and storytelling. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and the ongoing journey of coping with loss. You do not want to miss this episode!

Are you interested in connecting with Wakeya?

Email: Shaebelt729@gmail.com

Book: Life In The NICU Our Family Story: 8 Steps For Navigating The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Article Interview: We Were Here: Black Infant Loss in D.C.

The Ask a NICU Mama Podcast is brought to you by It’s a NICU World!

🌍 About It’s a NICU World

It’s a NICU World is a community dedicated tosupporting families navigating life in and beyond the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. From journals and advocacy to the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, we’re here to bring real stories, hard truths, and hope to every NICU and medical family.

📘 Learn more: www.nicuworld.com
📸Follow us on Instagram: @itsanicuworld

🎙️Listen to more episodes: Ask a NICU Mama Podcast on Spotify

📣 Support the Show:

• Share this episode with another NICU parent or healthcare provider

• Follow the show on Instagram: @askanicumamapodcast2024

• Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email ashleyoneil@itsanicuworld.com

In this episode of the Ask a NICU Mama Podcast, host Ashley O'Neil speaks with Brianna, a fellow medical mama, about their shared experiences of navigating the complexities of parenting children with medical needs. Brianna shares her journey from pregnancy to receiving a life-altering diagnosis for her daughter, Violet, and the challenges of being a single parent after the loss of her husband. The conversation delves into themes of grief, resilience, and the importance of community support, offering insights and encouragement for other parents facing similar struggles. You do not want to miss this episode!

Interested in connecting with Brianna? --> medicalmomdiaries